Compulsory modules

Molecules of Life
This module will introduce you to fundamental concepts in our understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways, which you will build on across the course. You will also develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations, applying theoretical knowledge from the module.

Molecular Principles and Applications of Biochemistry
Building on your knowledge of biological pathways and processes from other modules, you will explore how concepts from the chemical and analytical sciences are applied in the study of biochemistry. Through student-led, case-based learning tutorials, you will also investigate real-life applications of biochemistry, including the diagnosis and treatment of disease, developing teamwork and leadership skills. You will further develop skills in data analysis and communication, drawing together key skills and theoretical concepts from across the course.

Human Physiology and Anatomy 
The module will introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. You will also explore how different pathologies can develop as a result of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences. 

Molecular Cell Biology 
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology. You will explore how genetic information is stored, replicated and processed; the roles played by nucleic acids in the production of proteins; how proteins get to their final locations within cells and how cells interact with each other and communicate to co-ordinate their activities. You will also develop key skills in the presentation and communication of information in various formats.  

Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience 
In this module you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support you in reflecting on your key skills development and career-planning.  

Compulsory modules

Applications of Molecular Biology 
In this module, you will explore how we can study and manipulate genetic material, from sequencing technologies to gene cloning and genetic engineering. You will learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as therapeutics. Through tutorials and workshops, you will develop skills in introductory bioinformatic tools, whilst also considering some important ethical principles, developing key reasoning and analytical skills.   

Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology 
This module explores the human immune system. This includes addressing the generation and selection of the immune repertoire, the cellular basis of the immune system and an exploration of functional insights into immune protein structure and pathogen structure, including viruses and bacteria. You will further develop key skills in the application and analysis of data from antibody-based analytic techniques such as ELISAs and western blotting, and will explore how to access the PDB protein database. 

Microbes, Viruses and Parasites 
Here you will study the biology of bacteria, viruses and parasites, considering a range of pathogenic organisms and the diseases they cause. You will explore approaches to treatment and management of disease, ranging from development of novel antimicrobials to vaccination strategies, and the use of select viruses and microorganisms as research tools. Key skills in literature analysis and communicating to different audiences will be developed through the production of content on a select module topic. 

Drug Design 
The module will introduce the drug development pipeline from in-silico studies to clinical trials. You will apply knowledge of biological and chemical structures to explore principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in modern drug discovery. Specific examples of biological targets and drug molecules will be discussed, where you will develop higher-level skills in accessing and manipulating structural information for ligand-target interactions. You will also further develop teamwork and communication skills, including to non-specialist audiences. 

Metabolism in Health and Disease 
This module will build on your knowledge of major metabolic pathways with a focus on the integration and regulation of metabolism in healthy nutritional states and disease. You will explore key aspects of metabolic control and some of the changes in metabolic activity that are associated with inherited and acquired disorders. You will further develop key skills in literature analysis and hypothesis-driven study design and communicate outcomes to a scientific audience.   

Cell Signalling 
This module introduces you to the signalling pathways that regulate multiple cellular processes by acting through sensors to stimulate molecules responsible for controlling different important cellular processes. You will explore these signalling pathways and provides details on their molecular components and their mode of action. The module also places an emphasis on independent study and further develops skills in the acquisition, analysis and written communication of scientific information.  

Research and Analytical Skills 
This module brings together skills of experimental design and data analysis which are a vital step in the process of scientific research. In this module you will explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. The data analysis skills you will hone will be essential in your final year and onwards into postgraduate study or employment in a data-driven world.

Practical and Professional Skills in Bioscience 
This module will expand your practical skills through enquiry-based, hypothesis-driven laboratory investigations applying key skills and competencies to more advanced molecular and analytical techniques. Through additional workshops, you will develop higher-level skills in the acquisition and analysis of information from online sources, including journal databases and generative AI. Further sessions will also support you in evaluating your career readiness with employability skills-focused workshops in areas including CV writing and interview technique.  

Optional modules

Human Genetics 
In this module, you will look at some of the applications of key genetic concepts at the level of the individual and the population. Focusing mainly on medical genetics, you’ll learn how a person's genetic make-up can affect their health and how to estimate genetic risk and explore some of the applications of molecular genetics in the study of, diagnosis of and treatment of genetic diseases. You will develop group working and communication skills as your progress through the teaching and learning on the module. 

Molecular Ecology and Plant Genetics 
Advances in molecular biology, analysis and sharing of genomic data have important applications in the plant, ecological and conservation sciences. You will study how genetic and genomic tools, both in the lab and at the desktop, are being used to enhance our understanding of plant biology and ecological processes. The module will help you to think in a ‘genes to ecosystems’ framework and prepare you for careers in a big data post-genomic world. 

Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training (Level 5) 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands. 

Compulsory modules

Research Project 
Your research project is an excellent opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research drawing together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data and presentation. You can choose from a range of projects, depending on your interests/career ambitions, including lab- or field-based research, systematic reviews, bioinformatics, teaching and learning, or outreach. In addition to a project report, you will also present outcomes as an oral presentation and research poster at our UG student conference.

Employability and Communication Skills in Bioscience 
Whatever your interests or future career, communication is vital. This module helps to develop skillsets needed to communicate effectively to diverse audiences. We explore a range of communication methods to present and disseminate findings to inform and enthuse both a scientific and lay audience. We aim to develop a suite of valuable transferrable skills for the employment market and ensure those who truly understand scientific issues are heard. 

Case Studies in Biotechnology 
In this module, you will explore some of the applications of biotechnology to address global issues. Guided by seminars and case studies, you will tailor your research to your own interests, picking an overarching theme and selecting papers from the primary literature showcasing biotechnology. You will develop scientific writing skills to introduce your theme, summarise the chosen papers and justify why you think they are important with a focus on communication skills and demonstration of critical insight into contemporary biotechnology approaches. 

Medical Glycobiology 
In this module, you will investigate the structure, biosynthesis, and biochemistry of medically important carbohydrates and their clinical relevance, including novel carbohydrate-based therapeutics for select pathological conditions, which may include cancer, Alzheimer's, and malaria. You will also explore the emerging field of glycomics with relevance to future roles in diagnostics. You will further develop skills in the critical analysis and communication of research data, evidencing a broad set of communication and analytical skills. 

Professional Development in Bioscience  
This module will develop your professional skills, attributes and qualities required for your next steps following graduation. You will have the opportunity to practice interview techniques and presentation skills to support your covering letters, personal statements and CV. You will explore online opportunities and the employment marketplace, building your social media profile to evidence your skills and attributes. Throughout the module, you will also consider the impact of discrimination and unconscious bias, and develop strategies to support resilience and wellbeing.  

Optional modules

Structural Biology and Macromolecular Function 
This module concentrates on the in-depth analysis of how structural studies of proteins, enzymes and viruses reveal how they recognise and bind their targets. Particular emphasis is placed on proteins which cause, prevent, resist and fight infection and disease and how our knowledge and understanding of biological function and the molecular basis of disease are enhanced and underpinned by detailed structural information. Key skills developed include the location, evaluation and comparative analysis of published scientific literature.  

Human Parasitology 
In this module, you will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of parasitic diseases of humans, considering such topics as the life cycle of select parasites between vector and host, the pathogenesis of parasitic infection and their diagnosis and treatment. You will also investigate challenges to effective treatment and transmission control, including socio-economic and cultural factors. Through evaluation of current research in the subject, you will develop higher-level skills in the critical analysis and interpretation of data.   

Omics Technologies 
You be will introduced to a range of cutting-edge omics approaches used extensively across the life sciences. Through hands-on data handling exercises you will develop a theoretical appreciation of and practical competence in core genomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches. You will undertake a whole transcriptome analysis for the purpose of differential gene expression detection from raw RNA sequencing data, developing and demonstrating competence in a highly sought after analytical skill.  

Cancer Biology  
This module will introduce you to the field of cancer biology, exploring the molecular and cellular hallmarks of cancer, and how the understanding of these is beginning to inform novel therapeutic development. You will investigate the latest developments in basic cancer research in understanding changes in cellular activity associated with cancer development and progression, and the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of this. Key skills developed include the location, evaluation and comparative analysis of published scientific literature.  

Epidemiology 
Epidemiology is concerned with the study of disease development and prevention within populations. Here, you will develop knowledge and understanding of epidemiological study design and data interpretation, exploring the scientific procedures of public health research, policies, program implementation and evaluation. You will develop skills in the design and conduct of epidemiological research, developing data collection tools, and interpreting epidemiological findings used in public health, including of relevance to outbreak investigations. 

Tropical Biology Field Course 
This module allows you to explore the vibrant world of tropical ecology first-hand and join an exciting opportunity to explore firsthand the challenges facing tropical ecosystems and how humanity impacts them. You will learn from leading experts about the critical role of biodiversity in these lush environments. Experience international travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Hosted by the University of Sains Malaysia (USM), this field course, which comes at an additional cost to be confirmed each year, promises cutting-edge knowledge in tropical ecology and conservation. 

Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training (Level 6) 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.  

Work Placement and Professional Training in Education 
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles. 

Compulsory modules 

Advanced Research Topics in Biochemistry 
This module will develop your skills in the acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature relevant to current research topics in biochemistry. With research-level seminars delivered by world-leading experts and invited speakers, you will critically evaluate current research publications and develop a deeper understanding of appropriate experimental design, data analysis, presentation and evaluation. Through small group sessions you will also further engage in peer-peer critical discussion of scientific literature .

Literature Review and Grant Proposal 
In this module, you will further develop skills in the evaluation of scientific literature and experimental design. In addition to producing a comprehensive critical literature review, you will formulate research questions/hypotheses and design appropriate research strategies to address these in a mini grant proposal. As part of this, you will also produce a project summary aimed at a non-specialist audience, further developing your wider communication skills. 

MSci Extended Research Project 
As the culmination of your studies, you will develop advanced skills in experimental design and the critical analysis of scientific data, following an extended period of research study, where you formulate a project and design and conduct appropriate investigations to address this. You will further develop higher-level communication skills, presenting outcomes of your project as a research article produced to the specifications of a selected journal format and deliver an oral presentation and poster at our MSci research conference.